Editor's Note: The following Easter message was sent to United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez.

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! 

Today, Christians around the world proclaim the heart of our faith: death does not have the final word. The tomb is empty. God’s love has overcome the grave and new life has begun. 

On that first Easter morning, the women came expecting sorrow—and instead discovered that God was already at work beyond their fear and grief. The resurrection reminds us that even in a world marked by division, weariness, and uncertainty, God’s hope keeps breaking through. 

These days, I’ve been holding onto a simple truth: prayer is the heartbeat of our life with God. Through prayer, we are drawn into God’s renewing work in the world. 

And the risen Christ invites us into that work. Easter is not only something we celebrate, but it is also a life we embody. As followers of the risen Christ, we are called to be signs of resurrection: loving boldly, serving joyfully, and living with courage and hope. 

I invite you to take a moment today to watch this brief video message reflecting on prayer, hope, and the promise of Easter. My prayer is that it reminds you that we bear this witness together across the Susquehanna and Upper New York Area. Click here to read the video transcript.

On this Easter day, may the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts, strengthen your faith, and renew our shared calling to embody Christ’s presence in the world. 

Peace with Justice Grants provide an opportunity to support ministries that work toward justice, reconciliation, and peace in local communities. Funded through the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, these grants provide up to $1,500 for projects that address critical issues such as the root causes of poverty, human rights injustices, and efforts to build stronger, more restorative relationships.

The program is designed to encourage emerging and next-step ministries, helping bring new ideas and impactful initiatives to life. Projects may include community programs, educational efforts, or advocacy work aligned with the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are reviewed twice each year, with submission deadlines of April 30 and October 30. Funding decisions are typically made within four to six weeks following each deadline.

Those interested in applying will need to provide a project budget, a statement of support, and a plan for sharing outcomes. Grant recipients will also be asked to submit a follow-up report highlighting the impact of their work.

If you have a vision for fostering peace and justice in your community, this grant could help bring it to life. For more information or to apply, contact Peace with Justice Coordinator Heather Smith at peacewithjustice@unyumc.org.

Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 24 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the release of Miracle Sunday resources.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Luke 10:2 

Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders of Upper New York, 

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Last December, I shared with you about a Spirit-led movement inviting all United Methodist congregations across our worldwide connection to embark on a six‑week post‑Easter journey, culminating in a Miracle Sunday offering on May 17, 2026, to support the Theological Education Outside the U.S. Endowment Fund. 

Today, I am excited to share that the resources for the six‑week worship and small‑group journey are now available — and this is our moment to rise and step forward.   

You can find the campaign's resources here. 

Why This Matters 

The need is both clear and urgent. In the United States, more than 70% of clergy hold a theological degree. Outside the U.S., fewer than 5% do.

On Miracle Sunday, United Methodist congregations around the world will unite in a one‑time, denomination‑wide offering to strengthen theological education for the worldwide church. This endowment will support approximately 500 clergy each year, helping close the gap and equipping a new generation of pastoral leaders across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

Our generosity will shape the future of the church worldwide.

The Six‑Week Journey 

To prepare your congregation, a complete six‑week worship and small‑group series — created by leaders around the globe and grounded in our new shared vision — is ready for you now.

Beginning April 12, each week will invite your community to explore what it means to be formed by Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent into the world to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. 

Access and download all the campaign's resources here.

A Shared Commitment 

Jazelis and I have already made our personal miracle offering of $1,500, and I am grateful to share that every member of the joint missional cabinets of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences has also pledged their support to this initiative. We invite you to join us in this bold act of faith. Together, with God’s help, we can do this. 

When your congregation decides to participate, please let me know here — I would be honored to pray for you and your community by name as you participate in this missional initiative. 

A Call to Our Episcopal Area 

I am praying — and believing — that 100% of the congregations in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Area will join this worldwide initiative and give generously according to their capacity on Miracle Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

Let us rise together in gratitude, boldness, and hope for the future God is shaping among us. 

Together in Christ's mission,  

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
The United Methodist Church   
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area